Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Muslims around the world are experiencing a very different excitement these days. There are only a few days left for Ramadan, which has an exceptional value for us. By understanding this month well, Allah (swt) offers us a unique opportunity to tidy ourselves up, take ourselves into account and attain Allah’s approval. The most important thing that distinguishes the month of Ramadan from other months and makes it superior is that the Qur’an, which was sent to guide humanity until the end, had started to be sent down in the month of Ramadan.

Allah (swt) informs us in the Quran by saying, “The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

One of the most unique features of the month of Ramadan is fasting, which Allah (swt) has ordered us to do. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The blessed month of Ramadan has come to you. Almighty Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast in this month. In this month, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are tied up.”[2] The benefits of fasting for bodily health are confirmed by the researches of medical science. Even scientists from different religions and cultures declare that starving people for a certain period of time will be beneficial for their health. With fasting, people gain numerous benefits for their health and well-being. However, the real benefit is undoubtedly realised spiritually.

Dear Jama’ah!

A person has to show the same care to his soul as he does to his body. The spiritual world of man finds the opportunity to become stronger with the purification of the heart and the purification of the soul. With the enrichment of our hearts, our purpose of existence can be realised. We can go beyond the material world and attain real peace and happiness. For this reason, we should consider the month of Ramadan as a great blessing bestowed upon us by Allah (swt). Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said, ” Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”[3]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Seeing the month of Ramadan only as days of hunger prevents us from attaining the true meaning and importance of this month. Similar to the purification of our souls, this must also be reflected in our daily life and  most importantly through our actions. Rasulullah (saw) said, “One might fast and he gets nothing from his fast but hunger.”[4] He stated that the issue is not just about being hungry. In another hadith Rasulullah (saw) said, Whoever does not stop lying and doing business with lies, Allah does not value that person to stop eating and drinking.

So to speak, we should fast with all our limbs, avoid bad words with our tongue and forbidden things. We must try to strictly obey Allah’s orders and prohibitions, and we must carry this state of ours into a good habit after Ramadan.

May Allah (swt) make us one of his servants who live the month of Ramadan properly. Ameen.

Reminder:

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Our Mosque Solidarity Day program, which we do once a year, will take place today. As all Muslims, let us strive to protect our common future, our mosques, and to keep the peace of this solidarity.

We should not forget that Allah (swt) gave the good news that every believer who is a congregation and supports the mosque financially and morally will benefit from all the good services, and that he will continue to earn rewards even if they pass away, and said: “Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build him a palace in Paradise.” Blessed are those who compete in charity and attain Allah’s pleasure and are freed from the torment of Hell!

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185

[2] Nesâî, Sıyâm, 5

[3] Buhârî, Îmân, 28, Savm 6

[4] İbn Mâce, Sıyâm, 21

Khutba-Are We Ready for Ramadan?